Welding advice - door step

[lewisj]

Hi,

I've just bought a 1983 T25 and put it through its MoT; it mainly failed on "suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded [2.4.A.2]" ...on all 4 wheelarches. I think this includes any rust within a foot of the mountings.

Although from the outside it looks like a rust-bucked, it's actually really solid underneath (including the wheel-arches and around the suspension mounts) but the steps are heavily corroded. So I think this must be what it failed on.

It's been parked off-road (SORN) for the majority of the last 4 years but has got an MoT (although it runs out in a few days time) and there were no advisories on the last MoT about the excessive rust mentioned above though.


Is it best to get the "step repair" piece (£25) from JustKampers / VW Heritage and get that welded in, or just to get a "patch" welded on? Any idea of cost for this (patch vs. step)? Plus, can anyone recommend a place to get in welded in or around Brighton (Sussex)?

Any advice greatfully received!

Thanks,
Lewis John

[Oldiebut goodie]

The steps themselves are not a cause for MoT failure as backed up by MoT testers. The lack of metal at the specified distance from the suspension mountings would be. If you have got to replace other pieces though you might as well do the steps at the same time.
I find that it is easier to ask the tester which specific bits it has failed on. ( usually marked with yellow wax pencil/crayon if you can see it.)

[lewisj]

Thanks 'Oldiebut goodie'.

I figured the steps are within 1' of the suspension mounts so that's what's failing i.e. not that the steps themselves are an MoT failure but the fact that they're rusted out and within a 1' of the suspension mounts.

Unfortunately the guy that MoT'd it, wasn't about when I picked it up.

[Oldiebut goodie]

I drove around with holes instead of steps for years until I got around to doing them - never a mention at the MoTs - You have found a harsh tester or one that doesn't know what he is doing.

[lewisj]

Hmmm - thanks for that.

I figured the MoT test must have toughened up. I'll try and get some advice if I can find a local garage to take a look - although I could do with a recommendation, if there's any T25 owners in the south of England that know of a good place?

[jamesc76]

the suspension bolts to a chassis type leg the step is nothing to do with structure so cannot fail! take it back and show um!

[lewisj]

I spoke to a guy at the garage and he said it varies between MOT places; some guys are strict and will fail on rust within 30cms, while other testers will disregard the rust on the step. Technically it's a fail apparently even though it's not actually unsafe (and we know it's a common problem on the T2/T25). Hence it's simply that some places are more lenient than others.

[jamesc76]

I spoke to a guy at the garage and he said it varies between MOT places; some guys are strict and will fail on rust within 30cms, while other testers will disregard the rust on the step. Technically it's a fail apparently even though it's not actually unsafe (and we know it's a common problem on the T2/T25). Hence it's simply that some places are more lenient than others.

There is nothing of the sort of leniency your tester is WRONG! as long as there is no sharp edge to the outside it cannot be a fail! if you measure from the suspension mounts via metal only not across thin air it is miles outside 30 cm!

[Plasticman]

Lewisj
james is 100% correct
your tester is wrong and you have given him no way to save face so he is bullcarping more to you,
its a known,definative area,, t25 step it doesnt move from van to van, its not a grey area its not down to interpretation, its a fixed known ie a pass .end off
mike

[lewisj]

Turns out I was being dumb, as the it wasn't the step that failed it; I just hadn't looked properly, doh! Rusty step wasn't a problem and it's passed with it (once I'd got the actual problem welded up)...